Concept explainers
To calculate: The linking number (L), writhing number (W), and the twist of both constrained and unconstrained conformational states of the given DNA circle.
Concept introduction: DNA molecules have different conformational changes based upon its state that could be described by the topological characteristics of the DNA. Topological characteristics of a particular DNA consist of three important parameters. Those include- Linking number, twist, and writhing. Twist number (T) is the total number of turns in the helix of the circular DNA and writhing (W) depicts the shape of the whole DNA molecule. The algebraic sum of both the twist number and writhing gives the linking number (L).
To calculate: The superhelix density of both the constrained and unconstrained DNA.
Concept introduction: DNA molecules have different conformational changes based upon its state that could be described by the topological characteristics of the DNA. Topological characteristics of a particular DNA consist of three important parameters. Those include- Linking number, twist, and writhing.
Twist number (T) is the total number of turns in the helix of the circular DNA and writhing (W) depicts the shape of the whole DNA molecule. The algebraic sum of both the twist number and writhing gives the linking number (L). Superhelical density or superhelix density (σ) is the expression that is used to symbolize the level of supercoiling in a DNA molecule is represented by the between number of turns added or removed to the number of turns in relaxed state.
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